Constant speed control for motors



March 28, 1939. P. u. LANNERD CONSTANT SPEED CONTROL FOR MOTORS FiledJuly 2l, 1937 Q INVENTOR. Fna/L (j ANNE/20 ATTORNEY.

Patented Mar. 28, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Paul U. Lannerd,Elyria, Ohio, assignor to The General Industries Company, Elyria, Ohio,a

corporation cf Ohio Application July 21, 1937, Serial No. 154,796

14 Claims.

This invention relates to electric motors of the rotor type, whereinsuitable means are provided for maintaining the R. P. M or speed of therotor substantially constant, regardless of current fluctuations andparticularly that type adaptable for use in phonographs or similarreproducing apparatus.

In the type of motor referred to, a governor is employed which isoperatively conne-cted to the rotor and rotatable therewith. Thegovernor has a metal disc axially movable into and out of engagementwith a fixed abutment, usually of felt or other suitable material, andwhich, after a short period of time, becomes carbonized because ofimproper lubrication and its repeated engagement with the rotating disc.Under this condition, the

frictional resistance between the disc and abutment varies and as aresult thereof, the speed of the rotor is not maintained constant asdesired. Furthermore this hardening of the felt abutment has the effectof setting up vibrations which causes chattering of the disc and otherobjectionable noises. It is therefore, an object of the presentinvention to provide means for substantially continuously lubricatingthe felt abutment, regardless of the otherwise required lubricationthereof, thus eliminating the objectionable consequences heretoforereferred to.

A further object of the invention is to provide a means of lubricationwhich is simple in construction, efficient in purpose and inexpensive toembody.

With the objects above indicated and other objects hereinafterexplained, in View, my invention consists in the construction andcombination of elements hereinafter described and claimed.

Referring to the drawing,

FigureV l is a side elevational view of a motor withthe device embodyingthe present invention attached thereto.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the speed control mechanismshowing the elements in spaced relation axially and representing theirmanner of assembly.

Figure 3 is a front view of the lubricant receptacle constituting oneelementof the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of that shown in Figurel 3'.

Figure 5 is an end elevational View of the governor utilized in thepresent instance and shown in side elevation in Figures l and 2.

In the drawing I have illustrated a motor of the type employed inphonographs or similar reproducing apparatus and having attached (Cl.18S-187) thereto one type of speed control'mechanism embodying thepresent invetion but it should be understood that the invention is asreadily adaptable to other uses and is not, therefore, to be sorestricted.

The motor is indicated generally by the numeral Iii and may be ofvarious types. In the present illustration it comprises a skeletonhousing Il, preferably of cast metal, which includes a bridging portionI2 providing an attaching surface by means of which the motor I0 may bereadily mounted in the cabinet or other supporting structure. At theopposite ends of the bridging portion i2, as viewed in Figure l, aredepending extensions i3 and I4 preferably formed integral therewith andwhich extend relatively in parallel spaced relation.

At the end of the housing II adjacent the eX- tension iii a held magnetand yoke I5 is disposed and is suitably connected thereto. MagnetizingCoils i6, only one of which is shown, are mounted on opposite sides ofthe field magnet I5 and are mechanically and electrically connectedthereto. An armature l'I is rotatably disposed within the held magnetand yoke I5 and between the magnetizing coils I6. Inasmuch as theforegoing general description is well known to those skilled in the artit is not believed necessary to elaborate further in view of the factthat the motor structure does not enter into the inventive subjectmatter of the present application and that other types may be employed.

The armature I'I has a shaft I8 which projects axially thereof and isrotatably mounted in suitable aligned bearings provided in theextensions I3 and It. The end of the armature I1, opposite the shaft I8,abuts an adjusting screw I9 adjustably mounted in a bridging member 20,the opposite ends of which are secured to the adjacent sides of thefield magnet and yoke. This adjusting screw functions as a thrustbearing for the armature and additionally positions and maintains thearmature in its proper relation with respect to the yoke. The shaft I8,between its bearings, is provided with a worm 2| which is in constantmesh with a pinion 22 secured to a shaft 23 which extends at rightangles to the axis of the shaft I8, and is journaled for rotation insuitable aligned bearings provided in the bridgingV portion I2 and aplate 24. This plate 24 extends in parallelism with respect to thebridging portion I2 and has its opposite ends detachably connected tothe free ends of the extensions I3 and lil. One end of the shaft 23projects outwardly beyond the bridging portion I2 and has a reduced end25 to permit ready mounting of a record thereover in the usual mannerand a transversely extending pin 2S adjacent the bridging portion I2provides a rest or stop for the record. By reason of the geararrangement rotation of the motor shaft I8 imparts rotation to therecord shaft 23 and as the record is secured on the latter is rotatabletherewith.

It is important that the record be rotated continuously and at aconstant speed or R. l?. M. in order that the recorded material beproperly reproduced. Principally because of current fluc-` tuations thespeed or R. PJM. of the motor shaft varies and in order to overcome thiscondition a speed control mechanism is employed. Any suitable type maybe selected, but preferably, as illustrated, the governor type is used.The end of the shaft I8 projects beyond its bearing in the extension I3and a governor 21 is mounted thereon. The governor comprises a sleeveformed of coaxially aligned sections 28 and 29 which are slidablymounted on the free end shaft I8. The section 28 has a set screw 30 forsecuring that section against relative movement with respect to theshaft I8 but the section 29 is free to slide therealong. The adjacentends of the sections 28 and 29 have connecting grooves and extensions ofcomplementary shape and function as cam means for moving the section 29axially with respect to the section 28 in a manner to be laterdescribed.

The section 28 has oppositely extending tapered arms 3| and 32 the outerends of which are positioned on opposite sides of a vertical planepassing through the axis of the shaft I8 as viewed in Figure 5. Thesection 29 has similar oppositely exten-ding tapered arms 33 and 34 theouter ends of which are positioned on opposite sides of the samevertical plane, the adjacent ends of the arms, however, being positionedrelatively on opposite sides of the central plane as viewed in Figure 5.Weight members 35 and 36 are disposed on opposite sides of the armsadjacent the axis of the shaft I8 and at right angles with respect tothe vertical axis before referred to and have resilient ban-ds 31 and 38connected at their mid portions with the inner sides of the weightmembers 35 and 36 respectively. The opposite ends of the band 31 extendangularly and has one end connected to the outer end of the arm 33 andits other end connected to the outer end of the arm 32 diametricallyopposite. The opposite ends of the band 38 likewise extend angularly andthe band has one end connected to the outer end ofthe arm 3l and itsother end connected to the outer end of the arm 34 diametricallyopposite. It will be seen, therefore, that upon rotation of the shaft I8the weight members, due to centrifugal force, will tend to move apartrelatively and through the linkage described will cause the section 29to move axially and away from the section 28. As the speed of the shaftis reduced the section 29 will move axially toward the section 28.

The section 29 has a circular disc 39 secured thereto and adapted formovement therewith. The disc has a iiat inner surface 49 and a taperedmarginal edge 4I to provide a feathered edge at the inner surface for apurpose to beV later described. An abutting member 42 of felt or othersuitable material, has one end secured within a holder 43 which in turnis slidably mounted within an opening 44 in the adjacent end of theextension I3, Fig. 2. The opposite end of the Yholder is tapered andprovided with a recess 45 which extends longitudinally thereof and isadapted to receive the end 46 of an adjusting screw 4i screwthreadedlymounted in the bridging portion i 2. This provides a means for properpositioning of the holder 45 and by adjusting the screw 41 the outer endof the abutting member 42 may be positively positioned for frictionalengagement with respect to the adjacent surface of the disc 39. When thecurrent to the motor is turne-d on, the shaft I8 is rotated freely andby turning the adjusting screw 41 in one direction the holder 43 will bemoved axially outwardly until the felt abutting member 42 contacts withthe adjacent surface of the rotating disc 39. The amount of frictionalresistance offered is determinate of the speed or R. P. M. of the shaftI8 and when once adjusted very little attention is further required, theaction being automatic thereafter except for possible wear. If thecurrent fluctuates, the weight members 35 and 36 respond in a manner toeither move the disc 39 more forcefully against the felt abutment 42which compensates for the variance and maintains the desired constant R.P. M., or away from the felt abutment 42 which lessens the frictionalresistance and thus maintains the R. P. M. constant. The free end of theshaft I8 projects slightly beyond the section 28 of the governor 21 andabuts a thrust bearing 51 adjustably mounted in the end of a U shapedbracket 58. By adjusting the bearing the shaft I8 is positivelypositioned so as to maintain the armature I1 in proper relation withrespect to the magnetic yoke l 5. The free ends of the bracket 58 aredetachably connected to the housing by means of bolts 59. This much ofthe description relates to one type of motor equipped with a speedcontrol mechanism of the governor type and forms no part of the presentinvention except as it may be incorporated in combination therewith.

Ordinarily a suitable opening is provided in the housing or elsewherewhereby a suitable lubricant may be manually introduced periodically tokeep the felt abutting member 42 properly lubricated. However, as iswell known when the oiling is left to individual attention it isfrequently overlooked or disregarded entirely. Under this circumstancethe continuous rotation of the disc 39 and its Contact with therelatively stationary felt abutting member 42 causes the contacting endof the latter to become carbonized thus presenting a hard non-resistablesurface which does not react properly to current fluctuations and whichcauses a chattering of the disc as well as other objectionable noises.

To eliminate or correct these objectionable consequences, I provide ameans of lubricating the felt abutting member 42 and further a supply oflubricant which is continuously applied. Obviously this may beaccomplished in a number of ways but preferably, as illustrated in thedrawing, comprises a receptacle 48 of circular form provided with aninturned tapered marginal fiange 49, the opening defined by the freeedge of the flange being just large enough to permit free movement ofthe disc 39 therethrough when properly mounted as shown in Figure 1. Apad of absorbent material 50 such as felt, is placed within thereceptacle 48 and small headed brads 5I secure the pad withinthereceptacle and the receptacle to the outer side of the extension I3 asshown in Figure 1. Thin washers 52 are disposed between the heads of theb-rads and the pa-d to prevent the heads from being driven entirelythrough the pad as the receptacle is secured tothe housing. Asviewed in,Figurefg t-wil'l be seen that two openings-are vprovidedfor the bradson diametrically oppositesides ofthe receptacle and offset slightly fromthe axis thereof and that an opening 53 is provided to permit the end ofthe holder 43 to project therethrough so as not to interfere with theadjustability thereof. An axial opening lili isv also provided throughwhich the motor shaft i8 freely passes.

The felt pad :it likewise has an axial opening 55 to accommodate theshaft i8 and an opening 55 through which the end of the felt abuttingmember i2 snugly projects. This pad 58 is saturated with oil or othersuitable lubricant and being constantly in contact with the end of thefelt abutting member 42 supplies the necessary amount of lubricant bycapillary action to the abutting member thus maintaining it in propercondition. The oil which is transferred to the contacting surface le ofthe disc 39 is thrown outwardly due to the rotation of the disc `and thefeathered edge causes the oil to be discharged where it strikes theinner flanged surface of the receptacle and is again absorbed by thepad. This saves a great proportion of the oil for reuse and as a resultmaterially increases the length of service. Additionally, dust to agreat extent is prevented from coming into contact with the Linder sideof the disc adjacent the abutting member due to the enclosing relationof the receptacle. The collection of dust on the abutting memberheretofore was one of the primary reasons for the carbonizing result.

While I have described the preferred embodiment of the invention it isto be understood that I am not to be limited thereto inasmuchl aschanges and modifications may be resorted to without departing from thespirit of the invention as dened iin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, .and a speed control mechanism includinga governormounted on said shaft and rotatable therewith, a disc operativelyconnected to said governor for rotation therewith but movable axiallyrelatively thereto under the influence of said governor, a felt abutmentadjustably mounted in said motor housing and having a projecting endengageablewith said disc for frictionally retarding its rotation, alubricant absorbent means on said housing and in contact with theprojecting end of said felt abutment for substantially continuouslysupplying lubricant thereto, and means for collecting and returning thespent lubricant to said lubricant absorbent means.

2. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including a governormounted on said shaft and rotatable therewith, a disc operativelyconnected to said governor for rotation therewith but movable axiallyrelatively thereto under the influence of said governor, a felt abutmentadjustably mounted in said motor housing and having a projecting endengageable with said disc for frictionally retarding its rota.- tion, alubricant receptacle connected to said motor housing, and a lubricantabsorbent pad in said receptacle in contact with said felt abutment forsubstantially continuously supplying a lubricant to the latter.

3. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including a governormounted on said shaft and rotatable therewith,

a4 disc operatively connectedy to-saidgovernor for rotation therewithbut movable axially relatively thereto under'the influence-of saidgovernor, a1

felt abutment adjustably mounted in said motor housing and having aprojecting end engageable with said disc for frictionally retarding itsrotation, a lubricant receptacle connected to said motor housing andhaving a portion in enclosing relation with respect'to said disc, and alubricantV absorbent pad in said receptacle in contact with said feltabutment for substantially continuously supplying a lubricant to thelatter.

4. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including a governormounted on said shaft and rotatable therewith, a disc operativelyconnected to said governor for rotation therewith but movable axiallyrelatively thereto under the influence of said governor, said dischaving a beveledmarginal edge tapering toward the governor, a feltabutment adjustably mounted in said motor housing and having aprojecting end engageable with said disc for frictionally retarding itsrotation, a lubricant receptacle connected to said motor housing andhaving a marginal wall projecting beyond the beveled edge of said discin enclosing relation thereto, and a lubricant absorbent pad in saidreceptacle in contact with said felt abutment for substantiallycontinuously supplying a lubricant to the latter.

5. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a` speed control mechanism including a governormounted on said shaft and rotatable therewith, a disc operativelyconnected to said governor for rotation therewith but movable axiallyrelatively thereto under the inuence of said governor, a felt abutmentadjustably mounted in said motor housing and having a projecting endengageable with said disc for frictionally retarding its rotation, alubricant receptacle having a shaft openand an abutment opening, alubricant absorbent pad in said receptacle in contact with said feltabutment for substantially continuously supplying a lubricant to thelatter, and means for securing said pad to said receptacle and thelatter to said motornhousing.

6. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including a discoperatively connected to said shaft for rotation therewith but movableaxially relatively thereto, a felt abutment adjustably mounted in saidmotor housing and having a projecting end engageable with said disc forfrictionally retarding its rotation, a lubricant absorbent means on saidhousing and in contact with the projecting end of said felt abutment forsubstantially continuously supplying lubricant thereto, and means forcollecting and returning the spent lubricant to said lubricant absorbentmeans..

7. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including a discoperatively connected to said shaft for rotation therewith but movableaxially relatively thereto, a felt abutment adjustably mounted in saidmotor housing and having a projecting end engageable with said disc forfrictionally retarding its rotation, a lubricant receptacle connected tosaid motor housing, and a lubricant absorbent pad in said receptacle incontact with said felt abutment for substantially continuously supplyinga lubricant to the latter.

8. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including avdiscoperatively connected to said shaft for rotation therewith but movableaxially relatively thereto, a felt abutment adjustably mounted in saidmotor` housing and having a projecting end engageable with said disc forfrictionally retarding its rotation, a lubricant receptacle connected tosaid motor housing and having a portion in enclosing relation withrespect to said disc, and a lubricant absorbent pad in said receptaclein contact with said felt abutment for substantially continuouslysupplying a lubricant to the latter.

9. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including a discoperatively connected to said shaft for rotation therewith but movableaxially relatively thereto, said disc having a beveled marginal edgetapering outwardly, a felt abutment adjustably mounted in said motorhousing and having a projecting end engageable with said disc forfrictionally retarding its rotation, a lubricant receptacle connected tosaid motor housing and havingra `marginal wall projecting beyond thebeveled edge of said disc in enclosing relation thereto, and a lubricantabsorbent pad in said receptacle in contact with said felt abutment forsubstantially continuously supplying a lubricant to the latter.

10. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including a discoperatively connected to said shaft for rotation therewith but movableaxially relatively thereto, an adjustably mounted abutting member oflubricant absorbing and retaining material engageable With said disc forfrictionally retarding its rotation, a lubricant absorbent means on saidhousing and in contact with said abutting member for substantiallycontinuously supplying lubricant thereto, and means for collecting andreturning the spent lubricant to said lubricant absorbent means.

ll1. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof,v and a speed control mechanism including a discoperatively connected to said shaft for rotation there- With but movableaxially relatively thereto, an

adjustably mounted abutting member of lubricant absorbing and retainingmaterial engageable with said disc for frictionally retarding itsrotating, a lubricant receptacle connected to said motor housing, and alubricant absorbent pad in said receptacle in contact with said abuttingmember for substantially continuously supplying a lubricant to thelatter.

l2. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including a discoperatively connected to said shaft for rotation there- With but movableaxially relatively thereto, an adjustably mounted abutting member oflubricant absorbing and retaining material engageable With said disc forfrictionally retarding its rotation, a lubricant receptacle connected tosaid motor housing and having a portion in enclosing relation Withrespect to said disc, and a lubricant absorbent pad in said receptaclein contact with said abutting member for substantially continuouslysupplying a lubricant to the latter.

13. In combination a motor having a shaft rotatably mounted in thehousing thereof, and a speed control mechanism including relativelymovable and stationary abutting members, one of said members beingformed of a lubricant absorbing and retaining material, the movablemember being operatively connected to said rotatable shaft, a lubricantabsorbent means on said housing and in contact with said member oflubricant absorbing and retaining material for substantiallycontinuously supplying lubricant thereto, and means for collecting andreturning the spent lubricant to said lubricant absorbent means.

1li. In a speed control mechanism for a rotatable shaft, relativelymovable and stationary abutting members, one of said members being1formed of a lubricant absorbing and retaining material, said movablemember being adapted for operative connection with the rotatable shaft,a lubricant absorbent means in contact with said member of lubricantabsorbing and retaining material for substantially continuouslysupplying lubricant thereto, and means for collecting and returning thespent lubricant to said lubricant absorbent means.

PAUL u. LANNERD.

